Boeing Defense Space & Security

Union workers on the picket line said they don’t believe the company will be able to find skilled workers to replace them.

The move has escalated tensions between Boeing and the union, which wants higher wages and better benefits.

Company leadership said the economics of the contract will remain the same.

Union members from facilities in St. Louis, St. Charles and Mascoutah voted to reject a four-year labor agreement with Boeing after an earlier version of the proposal failed on July 27.

The company's updated terms include withdrawing the Alternative Workweek Schedule proposal, which union members said was a point of concern in the original contract.

The company will manufacture the jets at its new $1.8 billion facility next to St. Louis Lambert International Airport.

The announcement comes alongside approval from the U.S. secretary of state for the sale of Israel to buy $18.82 billion in military equipment.

The agreement transfers the GKN St. Louis’ operations to Boeing with the aerospace giant hiring nearly all of GKN's roughly 550-person local workforce.

Nearly a month into the Israel-Hamas war, St. Louis-area events supporting Palestinians and Israelis killed or missing in the fighting continue to draw scores of demonstrators and prompt public outcry.

Boeing will move its defense unit from St. Louis to Arlington, Virginia. A spokesman Tuesday confirmed the decision, which was made by senior management.…